At least 48 north and mid Wales bank branches have closed since 2015, with another three set to shut before the end of the year.

The loss of so many of the region’s high street branches have been described as “ripping the hearts out of town centres,” leading to calls for a Parliamentary review into the situation.

Barclays’ decision to shut Amlwch’s only remaining bank, is the latest in a string of closures across the region, largely blamed on more people using on-line banking.

This summer NatWest closed branches in Porthmadog, Holywell, Prestatyn, Ruthin and Menai Bridge, while the HSBC in Holyhead and Llanrwst closed in June, forcing customers having to travel to Llangefni , 16 miles away, and Colwyn Bay, 11 miles away.

Now, a north Wales MP has led calls in Parliament for a full debate on the issue.

“There’s a domino programme of planned closures by High Street Banks,” said Albert Owen, the Labour member for Ynys Môn.

“They reduce hours of opening, encourage online banking and then use the reduction of footfall as a reason for closure.

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“Bank closures are ripping the hearts out of town centres and while central and local governments are trying to regenerate our town centres the Banks, many of which received tax payers’ money directly to sustain the banking industry, are turning their backs on communities.”

NatWest account holders in Welshpool will soon have to go to Newtown, 13.5 miles away, when the branch closes later this month.

The bank is also closing another seven Welsh branches in October, including Machynlleth.

Analysis by WalesOnline shows that by the end of 2017, HSBC will have closed 42 Welsh branches in three years.

Meanwhile, Natwest will have closed 27 of its Welsh outlets, Lloyds will have closed 13 and Barclays 24.

Leader of the Commons, Andrea Ledsham, in her response to Mr Owen’s calls in Parliament, said: “There are very clear rules governing how banks can close—there must be broad consultation and assessment—but not enough people know that the Post Office has now agreed with all the major banks to provide basic banking services.

NatWest in Corwen (Image: Google Maps)

“Given that post offices are open at weekends and for longer hours, that can often provide a very good alternative.”

But Mr Owen says he’s not happy with the Government’s response.

“The Leader of the House seems satisfied with the current situation. I am not.

“I welcome sub-post offices stepping in to help out, but they are linked to shops, and indeed Post Offices themselves are closing down.

“This shows that the Government does not care and is on the side of the banks, not their customers or the public.